tips for traveling with posters

[singasongofjoy]

Any tips for how to manage airplanes with posters (e.g., traveling to conferences)? How do you manage a big piece of foamboard / cardboard on a plane?

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[WisNeuro]

Why is it already on a foamboard? Does your facility have a medical media office? If so, they can print up the poster on whatever stock they use, then throw that puppy in a poster tube. If not, FedEx Office/Kinkis can print one up relatively cheaply.

 

[singasongofjoy]

Why is it already on a foamboard? Does your facility have a medical media office? If so, they can print up the poster on whatever stock they use, then throw that puppy in a poster tube. If not, FedEx Office/Kinkis can print one up relatively cheaply.

I'm wondering how to display it once I get to the conference; the one's I've done before they didn't provide foamboard. Maybe it is worth inquiring if they do?

 

[WisNeuro]

I'm wondering how to display it once I get to the conference; the one's I've done before they didn't provide foamboard. Maybe it is worth inquiring if they do?

That's weird. I have never attended a conference that didn't provide a place to hang posters. I'd ask.

 

[PsychPhDone]

99% of the time they provide thumbtacks and you just tack it to portable bulletin boards. So bringing your own board isn't necessary.

I've occasionally had to have it on backing for small-ish tabletop easels. When that's been the case, I have it printed on site (or at a FexEx nearby). I used to have a complicated system of traveling with sheets of cardboard and gave up on that.

 

[neurobain]

I purchased a hard plastic poster tube that can expand and retract depending on the poster size. Even when fully expanded, it can fit in the overhead compartment. I purchased mine on amazon. Never had an issue with damage to the poster.

As for the boards to attach your poster to, it is odd that the conference doesn't provide the necessary materials. Double check the poster acceptance email, or the conference website. Usually they will provide instructions to presenters. If they require you to provide your own board to attach the poster, you might be able to purchase that at a local Staples, Office Depot, FedEx, Kinkos, etc. Most hotels with conference centers, and most conference centers will have a Kinkos or FedEx located onsite.

 

[Marissa4usa]

I just recently got rid of my poster tube, ever since I discovered that I can print my posters on fabric! The resolution is amazing, it looks just like it was printed on paper, and it was actually cheaper than if I had gone to Kinko's or Fedex. Only downfall is that you need to have your poster put together at least 4 weeks before the conference to allow for printing and shipping. I use this vendor: http://www.spoonflower.com/presentation-posters. I paid $21 for a regular-size poster - can't beat that!

 

[neurobain]

I just recently got rid of my poster tube, ever since I discovered that I can print my posters on fabric! The resolution is amazing, it looks just like it was printed on paper, and it was actually cheaper than if I had gone to Kinko's or Fedex. Only downfall is that you need to have your poster put together at least 4 weeks before the conference to allow for printing and shipping. I use this vendor: http://www.spoonflower.com/presentation-posters. I paid $21 for a regular-size poster - can't beat that!

That's really cool, thanks for the link!

 

[aly cat]

I just recently got rid of my poster tube, ever since I discovered that I can print my posters on fabric! The resolution is amazing, it looks just like it was printed on paper, and it was actually cheaper than if I had gone to Kinko's or Fedex. Only downfall is that you need to have your poster put together at least 4 weeks before the conference to allow for printing and shipping. I use this vendor: http://www.spoonflower.com/presentation-posters. I paid $21 for a regular-size poster - can't beat that!

Agree, this is life changing! I've paid closer to $100 but also did not need 4 weeks lead time. If you have the funds available to you I think it is absolutely worth it.

 

[PsyDr]

If you use a printing service, you can put the conference hotel as the shipping address. Just call the front desk and explain. The poster is there, you get it at check in.

 

[Occlumentia]

Agree, posters printed on fabric are a life-saver! I've done this a couple of times already - fold up the poster carefully and carry in suitcase, and then lightly iron (low heat as the fabric is often polyester-based!) the day it goes up. No more messing around with big plastic tubes and bulky posters. If you want to keep the poster after the conference fabric posters are also very easy to store.